When the FIFpro Best 11 was called, 9 players trooped unto the stage and there were two notable absentees: Messi and Ronaldo
The two rivals snubbed the awards that they have dominated for the last decade on the night when Luka Modric was crowned with the honour of World’s best footballer.
Ronaldo was in the top three along with Salah and Modric while Messi was snubbed
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Both the Portuguese and his Argentine counterpart were in the FIFpro top 11
There were a lot of reactions to their snub with many legends who were present unhappy at the ‘lack of respect’ by the superstars.
A former England coach, Fabio Capello said: “The absence of Ronaldo and Messi? It is a lack of respect, for the players, for FIFA and for the world of football,
“It is possible that they won too much and do not like to lose. In life you have to be good when you win and when you lose.”
Former Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan was also bitterly disappointed
“It’s a pity. Messi attended the gala last year and he didn’t win,” said Forlan. “It’s a pity if it happens the same with Ronaldo than in the UEFA gala.
“It’s an event of every player and it’s important to be here. No matter who wins. A player has to show with his attitude and actions, because they are a model for the world”.
Former Arsenal and Croatia player Davos Suker, whose countryman– Luka Modric– won the award was also critical of the duo “You have to be a gentleman when you win, but also when you lose,”
Mohamed Salah won the Puskas award for the best goal of the tournament over Ronaldo’s goal against Juventus and over Bale’s goal in the final, a move which many people didn’t like as they feel the Egyptian did not deserve the win.
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